Hospital looks to purchase portion of Guadalupe Street

MORE ACTION

• A resolution authorizing the city manager to execute all documents to convey 3613 Swan Drive for the construction of a single-family home in Swan Crossing;

• A resolution supporting the Victoria Main Post Office facility in downtown Victoria and encouraging its continued operations at 312 S. Main St.;

• Discuss whether to support the Marketplace Fairness Act;

• A resolution to Don Krueger Construction Co., of Victoria, for $1.78 million for the new public works facility;

• Approve Change Order No. 5 in the U.S. 77 North Annexation Project Phase 1 with Triple B Services, for $166,150, bringing the revised contract to $1.77 million.

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: Victoria City Council

• WHEN: 5 p.m. Tuesday

• WHERE: Council Chambers, 107 W. Juan Linn St.

• FOR MORE INFO: victoriatx.org

A Victoria hospital is looking to purchase two blocks of roadway off Navarro Street.

Victoria City Council is expected to vote Tuesday whether to accept the $90,000 offer from DeTar Healthcare System for a portion of Guadalupe Street between Navarro and Cameron streets.

The roadway runs between DeTar Hospital Navarro and the former Juan Linn School, now owned by the hospital and leased to Head Start and Victoria Christian School, said Judith Barefield, DeTar's marketing director.

Barefield was not certain what plans the hospital has for the roadway. DeTar CEO Bill Blanchard was not available Friday for comment.

However, Victoria Development Services Director Jared Mayfield said the sale could allow the hospital to connect to the former school campus.

"This isn't the first time that they've purchased city right of way or closed a block of street," he said.

The hospital already owns portions of Cameron, San Antonio and North Depot streets, Mayfield said.

Because that neighborhood has several entrances and exits, Mayfield said, he cannot foresee any negative implications.

Mayor Paul Polasek said the City Council supports all efforts of health care expansion.

"It's a growing institution, and it contributes a lot to the community," Polasek said.

He said he sees no problem with selling the two blocks to the hospital and has not heard any disagreement from constituents.

City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz said he has not seen the hospital's plans for the roadway.

The street is being sold at appraised value, Gwosdz said.

By purchasing the section of street, the hospital would be able to build anything on it or use it in any way.